Staten Island's 'Joe the Dancing Guy' has staying power

"Joe the Dancing Guy" was spotted on Richmond Avenue in New Springville on Monday. The Brooklyn man became an Internet and local sensation last year for his street dancing.
(Staten Island Advance/Mark Stein)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --By now, many Staten Islanders may be familiar with the smiling, hip-swaying, arm-flailing sensation known as "Joe the Dancing Guy."

He's still at it.

Joe the Dancing Guy was spotted on a steamy Monday afternoon when an Advance reporter saw the dark-skinned 25-year-old Brooklynite weaving his way down Richmond Avenue, toward Hylan Boulevard.

Wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants and equipped with a pair of big sunglasses and tiny white earbuds, the Dancing Guy, whose real name is Joel Joseph, boarded a city bus from Brooklyn and made his way to the Staten Island Mall – a location he often visits to begin his dance route, which typically starts along Richmond Avenue, before continuing east on Hylan Boulevard.

Joseph clicked off his iPod, pausing for a few minutes to express his thoughts about Staten Island and his frequent activity here that blends music and exercise.

"Dancing really helps me. I just express myself. It keeps me going, and it makes me feel good whenever I'm down or stressed out," said the lean, deep-voiced Joe, who was listening to lounge music before chatting in front of Costco.

Despite not living in the borough, he considers Staten Island to be a home for him, in a way. Joseph, who also goes by Joe, has visited here for the last eight years, he said.

"It's a place for me to relax," he said, noting that he started his routine last February and continues it because it helps his well-being. "It's like therapy for me," he said.

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Staten Islanders seem to enjoy the tall dancer's presence, too.

Last May, SILive.com asked residents to report sightings of Joseph. Dozens of emails came in. Some saw him near the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp, or near Clove Lakes Park, or somewhere on Hylan, or Richmond, or here, or there. Needless to say, Joseph was everywhere.

A Facebook page called "Dancing Black Man of Staten Island" appeared around the same time the Advance was looking to find Joseph. Within days, it had 3,500 followers. Today, it has close to 5,000, and includes a handful of videos and photographs of Joseph in action.

Another page titled "JOE The Dancing Guy" also formed last year, but has since vanished.

"So far (Staten Island) has been good to me. Everybody's in support of what I do and is friendly," he said.

The Brooklyn resident hopes his ability to express himself encourages others to exercise and enjoy life.

"Just do it for yourself," he recommended.

Moments later, "Joe the Dancing Guy" restarted his music and returned to doing what he loves most. He waved his arms and grinned while dancing along the sidewalk toward Arthur Kill Road. A driver of a black Mercedes honked its horn as the car buzzed by the man.